Insecurity: Defence minister hails Zamfara gov’s commitment to fighting banditry

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has commended Governor Dauda Lawal for his dedication and continued support to the troops fighting banditry in Zamfara State.

According to a statement released by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the minister made these remarks on Thursday during his visit to the Zamfara Government House and the Joint Taskforce North-West Operation Fansar Yamma headquarters in Gusau.

He noted that the visit was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between the state and the Ministry of Defence.

The statement further revealed that Badaru’s visit is a follow-up to an earlier visit by Governor Lawal and his Katsina State counterpart, Umaru Dikko Radda, to the ministry in Abuja earlier in the week.

In his remarks, Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with all security agencies to ensure peace in Zamfara.

He stated, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Minister of Defence, who is here today to discuss the security situation in Zamfara. Just a few days ago, the Governor of Katsina State and I were in the Minister’s office at the Defence Ministry, where we discussed urgent security issues.

“As you can see, within two days, the Minister is here with us. This is commendable and shows his dedication. Zamfara is facing numerous security challenges, but as a responsible government, we are fully committed to seeking assistance, synergy, and cooperation.

“We are dedicated to providing all necessary support to the troops. We are taking the fight to the bandits because we cannot continue to remain on the defensive. What I have seen so far suggests that, with God’s will, the issue of banditry will soon be a thing of the past. I have made commitments to the Minister.

“In addition, I have procured 10 bulletproof Buffalo gun trucks for the military. Other logistics are also in place and will be made available to the security forces to aid them in combatting banditry. If we can address the banditry issues in Zamfara, 90 per cent of the problem will be solved. I appeal to the troops, especially the military, that we need their support. I am confident they have what it takes to bring this fight to an end. I am committed, and I stand with you. I thank you all, especially the Honourable Minister, for making the time to be with us.”

Earlier, the minister stressed that the success of the ongoing operations against bandits is closely linked to Governor Lawal’s continued support.

“We have started seeing improvements, thanks to the support of His Excellency, the Governor of Zamfara State.

“He has provided accommodation for the command, logistics, long-distance surveillance cameras, vehicles, and fuel. He has even supplied the troops with gun trucks. Your Excellency, we thank you,” the minister stated.